Entries by editor

The end: writing your own obituary

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the rituals memorializing our departed loved ones have changed, sometimes dramatically. When in-person gatherings were too risky and families were unable to safely travel to a funeral, obituaries took on added significance—one that remains even as pandemic restrictions have waxed and waned. An obituary notifies the community of an individual’s passing. It alerts us to grieving family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. It celebrates the unique qualities of someone’s life, no matter how grand its scope or how narrow its parameters. It has become the memento mori of our time, simultaneously warning of death’s inevitability and inspiring us to live, perhaps, a little better, a little more boldly; to use the time we have, or to prepare us for the hereafter. Is it any wonder that obituaries are the most-read section of the newspaper?

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Glen Arbor Arts Center calls for ornaments

The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) will light up its neck of the woods and the community is invited to participate. Join in by decorating an ornament and become a part the celebration. Create an ornament to hang on one of the colorful trees lining the walkway or in the Grove behind the building. Ornaments can be store-bought or home-made.

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Health Department reports 3 new COVID deaths in Leelanau, 20+ positive cases per day; 80 percent unvaccinated

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports three new COVID-19 associated deaths of Leelanau County residents this week—one per day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (as well as one death in Benzie County on Thursday). All victims were between ages 70-90; one was fully vaccinated. The pandemic has claimed a total of 24 lives in Leelanau and 38 in Benzie.

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Echo of empty walls: How Art’s Tavern got its ceiling pennants

Ever pause while eating your basket of smelt or tater tots or drinking an IPA at Art’s Tavern and glance up at the pennants attached to the ceiling above you? Ever wonder how they got there? We did, and we asked Art’s owner Tim Barr for the story.

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Crystal River Outfitters hosts Strolling Lights Festival

Kick off the holiday season with Glen Arbor’s first annual Strolling Lights Festival. The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District invites families, groups or individuals to sponsor a tree to decorate this holiday season. All visitors are then invited to enjoy the works through the New Year. Even more importantly, proceeds from this festival will go to the Glen Lake Schools Student Assistance Fund.

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Leelanau, Benzie Counties post single-day record for COVID case counts

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department recorded 37 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Leelanau County on Friday, Nov. 12, and 29 new cases in Benzie County, for a total of 66. That’s the highest single-day count for both counties since the pandemic began.

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The North Manitou “Crib” Lighthouse gets a makeover

Dan Oginsky remembers the first night he spent on the North Manitou Shoal Light Station, commonly known in Leelanau County as “the Crib.” It was July 2019, and he and fellow Light Keeper Dave McWilliam were rustic camping while sleeping on cots inside the lighthouse. Their companions were cobwebs, spiders, and a layer of “guano” bird poop left on the outside deck by the passing cormorant birds.

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Glen Lake Library holds Children’s Holiday Book Drive

A special holiday tradition continues on Saturday, Nov. 13, as the Friends of the Glen Lake Library kick off their annual call for children’s books. The Friends are once again collecting donations of new children’s books for kids whose families are in need of assistance this holiday season. Liaison Kathy Bartell compiles a “wish list” of boys and girls from preschool through age 12. Any family can find themselves in hard times and the goal is to make sure the children still have some holiday joy in the form of a special book.

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Sugar Loaf Resort lodge demolition to last 6-8 weeks

In a press release issued today by Ross Satterwhite, who represents the owners of Sugar Loaf Resort through their company SVP 45 LLC, the property owner announced that it has begun the main demolition phase for the removal of the abandoned hotel structure. Physical demolition of the hotel began last week and is expected to continue for 6-8 more weeks—weather permitting.

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Benzie-Leelanau Health Department offers vaccines for 5-11 year olds beginning Nov. 12

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department stated in a press release Wednesday that it will begin to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for children, 5-11 years old, starting Friday, Nov. 12. Appointments are required and can be made by visiting the health department’s website.

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